Biodiesel

At Desmet, we have developed a continuous transesterification process to produce Diesel-Fuel Substitutes (biodiesel) from a wide range of vegetable oils with varying purity levels (crude, neutral, refined). This includes used cooking oil (UCO) from edible/food applications.

Plant

How does it work?

Desmet began developing Methylester Technology in the early 1990s through an intensive R&D program focused on methylester production. Initially aimed at producing cost-effective raw materials for surfactant production as an alternative to LAB and fatty alcohol, our efforts have greatly evolved.

Today, we specialize in designing and supplying biodiesel production plants that can process a variety of feedstocks. Our plants, with capacities ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 T/y, are engineered to meet the highest international standards.

Full process

Desmet’s biodiesel production facility combines innovation with efficiency. Designed for simplicity and reliability, the modular plant consists of key operational units, each capable of independent function. This flexibility optimizes performance, reduces operational costs, and minimizes environmental impact. Our state-of-the-art technology to transform oils and fats into biodiesel and glycerine ensures low utility and chemical consumption, with nearly zero effluents, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and excellence.

Join us on our journey toward a sustainable future with our cutting-edge biodiesel production process.

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Advantages

Our biodiesel process designs offer several key advantages, ensuring efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness.

Compact

Small overall dimensions of equipment and process units ensure limited product hold-up, requiring short start-up and shut-down times.

Simple

Equipment features a simple mechanical design with high efficiency and negligible maintenance needs.

Efficient

The innovative process design boasts low utilities, catalyst and chemical consumption due to its high efficiency.

Top yield

The state-of-the-art technology delivers yields up to 100%.

Sustainable

The process generates minimal water and gaseous effluents, incorporating specific measures to significantly improve the quality of air and liquid emissions.

Raw materials

Our biodiesel production technology offers unmatched flexibility, adapting to a wide range of feedstocks, from seeds and vegetable oils to low-grade materials. This versatility ensures consistent, high-quality biodiesel while maximizing profitability. By enabling the use of diverse, cost-effective raw materials, we help reduce production costs and enhance your competitive edge.

Other oils

Desmet - Raw material animal fats

Animal fats

Palm Oil

Palm oil

Desmet - Palm Oil Mill Effluent

POME

Rapeseed

Rapeseed oil

Soyabean oil

Soybean oil

Used Cooking oil

Used cooking oil

Key proprietary equipment

Our key proprietary equipment for biodiesel treatment ensures efficient processing and high-quality output. The core components include transesterification units, methanol rectification systems and advanced distillation equipment. These technologies are designed to optimize the production of biodiesel, ensuring maximum yield and purity while maintaining low operational costs and environmental impact.

Transesterification

Transesterification

Continuous Reaction unit to allow for greatest flexibility, high product quality and lowest catalyst consumption.

Methanol Rectification

Methanol rectification

Continuous methanol rectification for 100% methanol recovery and “zero” wastewater

Distillation

Distillation

Continuous Methylester distillation column to reach the most stringent quality requirement

Our services

With a focus on cutting-edge technology, high-quality components, and comprehensive on-site support, our service teams ensure optimized plant performance and minimized operational disruptions.

Plant automation

Enhance efficiency and control with our plant automation solutions, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance for your operations.

Replacement parts

Ensure reliability and longevity with our high-quality replacement parts, designed to maintain and enhance your plant's productivity.

Site services

Maximize uptime and operational efficiency with our on-site services, gaining expert support and maintenance tailored to your needs.

R&D and Innovation

Enhance processes and technologies to address and anticipate market challenges and trends, for more quality output and performance.

Talk to our experts

Looking to invest in a better future? As an experienced and innovation-driven plant designer, we can deliver the technologies for you to create quality food, feed and biofuel. Our teams of experts are happy to help you with any question.

Contact us